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Fuji cameras and shooting in RAW. Some initial concerns.

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DerekSurfs

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Hi all,

I'm currently considering moving to Fuji from a Sony A7. I shoot in RAW most of the time which I have for over a decade (Canon & Sony). I enjoy the additional benefits and customizations which RAW shooting provides. In researching Fuji mirrorless cameras, primarily the X-Pro2 and XT-1, I've noticed three RAW related areas I'm trying to better understand:

1. Fuji limits RAW shooting for certain ISOs.

2. Base ISO is 200 which can be 'extended' down to 100.

3. Converting Fuji RAW files are more challenging for some than other manufacturers.

Can someone who uses RAW please elaborate on your experiences,especially if you have used other Systems?

I realize all systems come with some trade-offs. I'm just trying to more fully understand what they are before making any decisions - eyes wide open.

That said, I'm used to extending down to ISO 50. Granted, I don't use it often. But there are times when it does come in handy, similar to a flip screen, etc...

Regarding RAW conversion, I'm used to Canon and Sony which are both pretty straight forward/easy to work with. CaptureOne even has a 'free' Sony edition available which is very convenient and works well.

Now, I know some of these things can be hot button issues. So please, I don't want to get into all the debates. Rather, I would just like to hear your honest impressions and what you may have done to work within these parameters while shooting in RAW.

Thanks,

--
Derek
 
Last edited:
DerekSurfs said:
Hi all,

I'm currently considering moving to Fuji from a Sony A7. I shoot in RAW most of the time which I have for over a decade (Canon & Sony). I enjoy the additional benefits and customizations which RAW shooting provides. In researching Fuji mirrorless cameras, primarily the X-Pro2 and XT-1, I've noticed three RAW related areas I'm trying to better understand:

1. Fuji limits RAW shooting for certain ISOs.

2. Base ISO is 200 which can be 'extended' down to 100.

3. Converting Fuji RAW files are more challenging for some than other manufacturers.

Can someone who uses RAW please elaborate on your experiences,especially if you have used other Systems?

I realize all systems come with some trade-offs. I'm just trying to more fully understand what they are before making any decisions - eyes wide open.

That said, I'm used to extending down to ISO 50. Granted, I don't use it often. But there are times when it does come in handy, similar to a flip screen, etc...

Regarding RAW conversion, I'm used to Canon and Sony which are both pretty straight forward/easy to work with. CaptureOne even has a 'free' Sony edition available which is very convenient and works well.

Now, I know some of these things can be hot button issues. So please, I don't want to get into all the debates. Rather, I would just like to hear your honest impressions and what you may have done to work within these parameters while shooting in RAW.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
 
I shot Canon for years before switching to Fuji several years ago. I have always shot RAW. I have absolutely no issue with Fuji. Yes, there has been a lot of talk over the years about the "problems" with Fuji Raw, but it's mostly done by a bunch of amateur hobbyist with absolutely no credibility. The vast majority of these "complaint" threads show 200% comparisons of cat portraits, backyard foliage snapshots, and random other scenes. Any nuance of Raw conversion is lost on me when I'm looking at horribly exposed and poorly composed snapshots.

Meanwhile, professional photographers have been using the Fuji system for years for clients and personal work, myself included. The best way to avoid the "problems" with Fuji Raw files is to ignore all those threads, and just acknowledge there are differences between Canon and Fuji, but they are not significant and it's easy to make the adjustments and switch. Enjoy!
 
Sal Baker said:
DerekSurfs said:
1. Fuji limits RAW shooting for certain ISOs.

2. Base ISO is 200 which can be 'extended' down to 100.

3. Converting Fuji RAW files are more challenging for some than other manufacturers.

--
Derek
Click to expand...
I have no challenges using Fuji RAW files. Conversion is exactly the same as my GRII and Canon RAW files. Capture One works well with Fuji RAW. What problems are you anticipating?

Sal
Click to expand...
Sal, the three areas above. So, for example, if Fuji limits RAW to native ISO and I'm extending to lets say ISO 100, does mean I can only shoot in JPEG? Secondly, if you've shot a base 100 ISO system, do you find yourself missing ISO 50? I guess it depends what you photograph. BTW, I know the technical work around/answer (eg use an ND filter). I do like ISO 50 in certain situations. Here's a recent example with the Sony A7, ISO 50, f20, 1/4 second (hand held):

01Jan16_3978a2ShCr-L.jpg


Thirdly, is RAW conversion that much more of a hassle than other systems you used like Canon, Sony, et al? It sounds like you and Jeff are saying this that conversions are a non-issue for you. That's assuming your happy with your workflow and RAW conversion software.

Thanks,

--
Derek
 
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Unlike previous X-series models, expanded ISO settings are now capable of writing corresponding RAW files in X-Pro2. You are covered there!
 
don bestbyte said:
Unlike previous X-series models, expanded ISO settings are now capable of writing corresponding RAW files in X-Pro2. You are covered there!
Click to expand...
Good to know, Don. That should be the new standard going forward as it with most other cameras.
 
The X-Pro 1 will not shoot ISO 100 and give you a raw file. Apparently, the X-Pro 2 will.

I came from Pentax and found Fuji raw files easier to work with in Raw Therapee. Maybe I just learned more. Anyway, when post processing I just interact with the evolving image and the program controls; I don't need to be aware that the color filter array is X-Trans rather than Bayer.

By the way, I've played with a handful of Sony raw files, and the color temperature values in RT were weird, like 40000K. It was possible to work with them, just disconcerting.
 
Charles2 said:
The X-Pro 1 will not shoot ISO 100 and give you a raw file. Apparently, the X-Pro 2 will.

I came from Pentax and found Fuji raw files easier to work with in Raw Therapee. Maybe I just learned more. Anyway, when post processing I just interact with the evolving image and the program controls; I don't need to be aware that the color filter array is X-Trans rather than Bayer.

By the way, I've played with a handful of Sony raw files, and the color temperature values in RT were weird, like 40000K. It was possible to work with them, just disconcerting.
Click to expand...
 
DerekSurfs said:
Charles2 said:
The X-Pro 1 will not shoot ISO 100 and give you a raw file. Apparently, the X-Pro 2 will.

I came from Pentax and found Fuji raw files easier to work with in Raw Therapee. Maybe I just learned more. Anyway, when post processing I just interact with the evolving image and the program controls; I don't need to be aware that the color filter array is X-Trans rather than Bayer.

By the way, I've played with a handful of Sony raw files, and the color temperature values in RT were weird, like 40000K. It was possible to work with them, just disconcerting.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Jeff Seltzer said:
I shot Canon for years before switching to Fuji several years ago. I have always shot RAW. I have absolutely no issue with Fuji. Yes, there has been a lot of talk over the years about the "problems" with Fuji Raw, but it's mostly done by a bunch ofamateur hobbyist with absolutely no credibility.
Click to expand...
99+% of all camera users are amateur hobbyists. Give them some slack.
Jeff Seltzer said:
The vast majority of these "complaint" threads show 200% comparisons of cat portraits, backyard foliage snapshots, and random other scenes. Any nuance of Raw conversion is lost on me when I'm looking at horribly exposed and poorly composed snapshots.

Meanwhile, professional photographershave been using the Fuji system for years for clients and personal work, myself included. The best way to avoid the "problems" with Fuji Raw files is to ignore all those threads, and just acknowledge there are differences between Canon and Fuji, but they are not significant and it's easy to make the adjustments and switch. Enjoy!
Click to expand...
The ability of dealing effortlessly with difficile technical aspects comes from mastery. Mastery usually takes a long time to acquire. Keep in mind that most of those amateur hobbyists with absolutely no credibilitydidn't have the time or didn't want to take the time to achieve such mastery. Their struggles are real, and the questions they ask are legitimate.

If the OP isn't a professional or a very dedicated hobbyist he cannot simplyignore all those threads, and just acknowledge there are differences between Canon and Fuji. If he could he would not have started this thread in the first place. He will have more questions that you may well find ridiculous, but all he wants is to learn more about a system that he is considering. Telling him to ignore all those threads and the wealth of knowledge that's in them (granted, there is a lot of noise as well) isn't really helpful, IMHO.
 
Last edited:
Agree with the sentiments shared here

It all makes for good b#itching sessions on forums.

But then you look at what folks are producing with these cameras, pro and amateur, shooting RAW, and you can see world class images, with outstanding image quality.

The OP sounds like the sort of photog who takes the time to learn the equipment and software. So right there I'm going to say it's no issue for him to shoot Fuji RAW.

For folks who always want/need the EASY button answer - well, I'm guessing most things are a challenge.
 
DerekSurfs said:
Hi all,

I'm currently considering moving to Fuji from a Sony A7. I shoot in RAW most of the time which I have for over a decade (Canon & Sony). I enjoy the additional benefits and customizations which RAW shooting provides. In researching Fuji mirrorless cameras, primarily the X-Pro2 and XT-1, I've noticed three RAW related areas I'm trying to better understand:

1. Fuji limits RAW shooting for certain ISOs.

2. Base ISO is 200 which can be 'extended' down to 100.

3. Converting Fuji RAW files are more challenging for some than other manufacturers.

Can someone who uses RAW please elaborate on your experiences,especially if you have used other Systems?

I realize all systems come with some trade-offs. I'm just trying to more fully understand what they are before making any decisions - eyes wide open.

That said, I'm used to extending down to ISO 50. Granted, I don't use it often. But there are times when it does come in handy, similar to a flip screen, etc...

Regarding RAW conversion, I'm used to Canon and Sony which are both pretty straight forward/easy to work with. CaptureOne even has a 'free' Sony edition available which is very convenient and works well.

Now, I know some of these things can be hot button issues. So please, I don't want to get into all the debates. Rather, I would just like to hear your honest impressions and what you may have done to work within these parameters while shooting in RAW.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
 
DerekSurfs said:
Hi all,

I'm currently considering moving to Fuji from a Sony A7. I shoot in RAW most of the time which I have for over a decade (Canon & Sony). I enjoy the additional benefits and customizations which RAW shooting provides. In researching Fuji mirrorless cameras, primarily the X-Pro2 and XT-1, I've noticed three RAW related areas I'm trying to better understand:

1. Fuji limits RAW shooting for certain ISOs.

2. Base ISO is 200 which can be 'extended' down to 100.

3. Converting Fuji RAW files are more challenging for some than other manufacturers.

Can someone who uses RAW please elaborate on your experiences,especially if you have used other Systems?

I realize all systems come with some trade-offs. I'm just trying to more fully understand what they are before making any decisions - eyes wide open.

That said, I'm used to extending down to ISO 50. Granted, I don't use it often. But there are times when it does come in handy, similar to a flip screen, etc...

Regarding RAW conversion, I'm used to Canon and Sony which are both pretty straight forward/easy to work with. CaptureOne even has a 'free' Sony edition available which is very convenient and works well.

Now, I know some of these things can be hot button issues. So please, I don't want to get into all the debates. Rather, I would just like to hear your honest impressions and what you may have done to work within these parameters while shooting in RAW.
Click to expand...
What now? If you want honest impressions you'll get debates. Can't have one without the other with topics like these :-D:-D:-D
 
DerekSurfs said:
Hi all,

I'm currently considering moving to Fuji from a Sony A7. I shoot in RAW most of the time which I have for over a decade (Canon & Sony). I enjoy the additional benefits and customizations which RAW shooting provides. In researching Fuji mirrorless cameras, primarily the X-Pro2 and XT-1, I've noticed three RAW related areas I'm trying to better understand:

1. Fuji limits RAW shooting for certain ISOs.

2. Base ISO is 200 which can be 'extended' down to 100.

3. Converting Fuji RAW files are more challenging for some than other manufacturers.

Can someone who uses RAW please elaborate on your experiences,especially if you have used other Systems?
Click to expand...
PM sent
DerekSurfs said:
I realize all systems come with some trade-offs. I'm just trying to more fully understand what they are before making any decisions - eyes wide open.

That said, I'm used to extending down to ISO 50. Granted, I don't use it often. But there are times when it does come in handy, similar to a flip screen, etc...

Regarding RAW conversion, I'm used to Canon and Sony which are both pretty straight forward/easy to work with. CaptureOne even has a 'free' Sony edition available which is very convenient and works well.

Now, I know some of these things can be hot button issues. So please, I don't want to get into all the debates. Rather, I would just like to hear your honest impressions and what you may have done to work within these parameters while shooting in RAW.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
 
One thing to note is that there is no software application that replicates the much-praised in-camera Fuji image processing engine. Unlike some other manufacturers (e.g., Canon, Nikon, Olympus) Fuji doesn't provide one, but they do offer in-camera raw conversion, which is nowhere near as convenient as an application running on a computer.
 
Chris Dodkin said:
Agree with the sentiments shared here

It all makes for good b#itching sessions on forums.

But then you look at what folks are producing with these cameras, pro and amateur, shooting RAW, and you can see world class images, with outstanding image quality.

The OP sounds like the sort of photog who takes the time to learn the equipment and software. So right there I'm going to say it's no issue for him to shoot Fuji RAW.

For folks who always want/need the EASY button answer - well, I'm guessing most things are a challenge.
Click to expand...
 
dpr4bb said:
One thing to note is that there is no software application that replicates the much-praised in-camera Fuji image processing engine. Unlike some other manufacturers (e.g., Canon, Nikon, Olympus) Fuji doesn't provide one, but they do offer in-camera raw conversion, which is nowhere near as convenient as an application running on a computer.
Click to expand...
This is an interesting observation. With those great internally processed Fuji jpgs, one might end up shooting RAW less depending on their subject matter, goals, etc...

After shooting RAW for over a decade, I have never considered using it less. I do like the tweak things as well as pull out the maximum information from a single raw (push/pull, etc...). With the latitude available in the newer sensors like those from Sony, I can achieve things from the a single RAW which used to require multiple frames. Since I like to shoot in extremes and push cameras to their limits, RAW allows me to extract maximum available data. Her's one example from a single RAW which represents extreme DR/many stops of light in a single frame:



Hand held inches from the flowing water

Hand held inches from the flowing water



--
Derek
 
DerekSurfs said:
Hi all,

I'm currently considering moving to Fuji from a Sony A7. I shoot in RAW most of the time which I have for over a decade (Canon & Sony). I enjoy the additional benefits and customizations which RAW shooting provides. In researching Fuji mirrorless cameras, primarily the X-Pro2 and XT-1, I've noticed three RAW related areas I'm trying to better understand:

1. Fuji limits RAW shooting for certain ISOs.

2. Base ISO is 200 which can be 'extended' down to 100.

3. Converting Fuji RAW files are more challenging for some than other manufacturers.

Can someone who uses RAW please elaborate on your experiences,especially if you have used other Systems?
Click to expand...
My other system is Pentax. I use Adobe software.

My workflow with the two systems is identical: Put card into computer/ import raw files using Lightroom/ process the ones I want to print in Photoshop.

I presume compared to some people on this forum I have very low standards. I don't see what all the fuss is about. I write it off to my being a photographer first.

 
DerekSurfs said:
Chris Dodkin said:
Agree with the sentiments shared here

It all makes for good b#itching sessions on forums.

But then you look at what folks are producing with these cameras, pro and amateur, shooting RAW, and you can see world class images, with outstanding image quality.

The OP sounds like the sort of photog who takes the time to learn the equipment and software. So right there I'm going to say it's no issue for him to shoot Fuji RAW.

For folks who always want/need the EASY button answer - well, I'm guessing most things are a challenge.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
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